Day of Families a chance to acknowledge diversity

The International Day of Families
provides New Zealanders with an opportunity to celebrate the
growing diversity of the family says Social Services and
Employment Minister Steve Maharey.

Speaking on the eve of
the International Day of Families, Mr Maharey said that
children and families were central to the policy agenda of
the new Labour/Alliance Government.

"Our policies clearly
acknowledge that the family has been changing rapidly and
will continue to do so (see attachment).

"The days when
the 'family' meant 'mum, dad and the kids' are long
gone.

"Today our society is made up of many different
kinds of families. And the many cultures that make up our
society have their own view of what makes a family. These
changes need to be reflected in law and policy."

Mr
Maharey said that many new initiatives involving children
and families were being developed such as:

 a
seminar involving leading children's advocates to set a five
year policy agenda; a discussion paper on the
Guardianship Act which will lead to changes in the
law; work on adoption and intercountry
adoption; changes to the Matrimonial Property
Act which will have implications for same sex couples;
and policy on paid parental leave.

"I am
working with the Ministry of Social Policy on a framework
for family policy which will go to Cabinet and will assist
the Government to develop a very far reaching policy
agenda.

"The framework has at its centre the recognition
that every child has the right to be dependent and to grow
up in conditions which enable them to become a dependable
adults.

"Our approach does not privilege one family form
over another. However it does ask that all children receive
the love, nurturing and discipline they need to achieve
their potential as adults.

"We also place strong emphasis
on children being able to be supported by both parents even
if the immediate family breaks down.

"Parents are
responsible for their children both financially and
emotionally. Fathers in particular have to see themselves
remaining part of their children's lives.

"A great deal of
work that the Government wants to do will touch on issues
such as fathering, co-parenting, support for people to work
through difficulties and remain together, assistance to
establish new arrangements if a family does break down,
parenting skills and sound sex education."

Mr Maharey said
that he hoped New Zealanders would use the International Day
of Families to discuss their own family.

"The facts are
that families in all their forms are vital to our success as
a nation. There is no doubt that a large number of the
problems arising in our society occur because too many
families are themselves experiencing problems.

"It is time
for New Zealanders to take stock of what is going on and
realise that the more they commit themselves to the
wellbeing of children and families the more likely we are to
live in a prosperous and socially progressive society,"
Steve Maharey
said.

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